Machine Guarding Basics

Why Install Machine Guards?
Simply stated, so you don't get hurt or hurt anyone around you. Unfortunately, not every machine will perform the intended function without posing an injury hazard to the operator.

Aren't manufacturers required to supply machines with guards?
Nope. Many machine manufacturers continue to fabricate and sell their equipment without the necessary safeguards and electrical controls required by OSHA, national consensus standards and various safety regulations. There are no laws that require them to do so. OSHA requires every employer to make sure all of the machines that are used in the workplace comply.

Where do Mechanical Hazards Occur?
Moving parts pose hazards in three main places. The Point of Operation, Power Transmission and Other Moving Parts.
    
    Point of Operation is the place where machine's purpose takes place. For example, where a saw blade cuts wood or where a drill bit bores a hole. Common injuries include cuts ranging from minor to fatal, flying material chips, ejected parts and puncture wounds.
    Power Transmission is the point where power is transferred from the machine's motor to its point of operation. Belts, pulley and lead screws are a major source of crushed hands, entangled hair and clothing. These accidents occur quickly and often cause serious injury or fatalities.
    Other Moving Parts include any other machine part that moves in a rotating, reciprocating or feeding motion.

How Do I Know if a Machine Requires a Guard?
A good rule to remember is: "Any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact with it can injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazard must either be controlled or eliminated." (OSHA - Machine Safeguard)

Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC will help provide a workplace free from all loss potentials and enhance employee involvement and morale through a premier machine safety program. Industrial and Educational clients the world over have relied on the Lovegreen Risk Management team to provide risk assessment, safety training and machine safeguarding to assist them in operating safely and therefore more profitably. Clients include, NASA, General Electric and 3M.

Working with Your Safety Committee, Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC will implement a machine guarding program that meets all manufacturing and regulatory requirements. The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your company’s most valuable asset, your employees.

No guarding project it too big or too small. We can provide a single chip shield and E-Stop button, or provide machine guard barriers to an entire company. LRM will help you provide a safe workplace with OSHA Compliant Hazard Guards and encourage employee involvement through a custom machine guarding program. The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your company's most valuable asset, your employees.

Get Start Today by downloading a FREE Basic DIY Machine Safety Survey Tool. Use it to conduct your own survey to uncover the most common problems on your woodworking and metal working machines.

Next, Let the Experts at Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC help you avoid costly events that could significantly impact your bottom line. Please call us at 1-800-262-8284 or email us today!